Casio EX-Z40 Review

Click on the EX-Z40 to take a QTVR tour

The EX-Z40 ZOOM is the latest addition to Casio's super-slim EXILIM Series and shares the same 4 Megapixel CCD imager and high-performance 3X Pentax zoom lens found on the EXILIM EX-Z4. The EX-Z40 introduces some new features, such as the ability to capture movies clips with sound that are limited only by the memory card's capacity, a new light-weight aluminum body, and a Pan-Focus mode.

The EX-Z40 combines a 3-segment telescoping lens mechanism that makes it possible to provide 3X optical zoom capabilities in a extremely thin camera and a robust 7-point Multi-Auto Focus system for optimum focusing. It's ready to go in under 2 seconds from being turned on. The big 2.0-inch TFT LCD monitor screen features a digital interface for a clear display of images. The monitor screen can be used to compose images, and a collection of display features helps to make image viewing easier.

The EX-Z40 has a battery life of 2.5 times that of the EX-Z4, allowing you to capture up to 360 shots with the LCD on, and a continuous playback time of about 6 hours. Based on CIPA standard battery life measurement (Standard Procedure for Measuring Digital Still Camera Battery Consumption).

The EX-Z40's supplied docking cradle enables you to charge the proprietary lithium-ion battery pack and transfer images to your computer by simply pressing the USB button. From there, the PhotoLoader software automatically transfers all JPEG and AVI files in image memory to the computer. Pressing the Photo button starts a slide show of images currently in camera memory. The camera can even be set up to display the desired images whenever it is placed on the cradle.

The EX-Z40 can store images in HTML format so they can be viewed easily by any modern web browser. You can record voice memos that can be played back in the camera thanks to its built-in speaker. Photostand mode lets you view a slide show of images with the camera on its cradle. The Calendar feature shows you thumbnails of photos on the day they were taken. World Time lets you select one of 162 cities in 32 time zones as your home or destination time zone. You can also store special photographs or photos you don't want others to see in the "Favorites folder".

In addition to its 9.7 MB of built-in Flash Memory, the EX-Z40 also supports the use of SD memory cards and MMC cards (not included). An easy operation copies images between a memory card and built-in memory. You can customize key operations to assign recording mode, exposure compensation, white balance, ISO sensitivity or self-timer functions to the left/right controller buttons. These settings may be changed by simply pressing the left or right control button.

Exilim EX-Z40 Features:

• 4.0-Megapixel effective CCD imager
• New high-quality light-weight aluminum body
• Still Image: 2304x1728, 2304(3:2 aspect), 1600x1200, 1280x960, 640x480
• Audio recording, attached to images or audio-only
• Record movies at 320x240 (15fps)
• Pentax 3x optical zoom (35-105mm equiv) with 4x digital zoom
• Approximate two second startup time
• Fast shot to shot time even when using the flash
• Selectable AF modes: Multi or Spot AF
• Focus modes: Auto, Pan, Macro, Infinity, Manual focus, Focus lock
• Automatic 4 to 1/2000 sec. shutter speeds
• Built-in flash with Red Eye Reduction
• 2" TFT color LCD with 354x240 (84,960 pixels) resolution
• 4X playback zoom magnification
• USB 1.1 data transfer to PC or Mac computers
• Li-ion rechargeable battery and charging cradle included
• 9.7 Megabytes of internal memory
• Secure Digital/MMC card slot for memory expansion
• DPOF, PRINT Image Matching II, Exif Print and Epson USB Direct-Print compatible

The Casio EX-Z40 has a suggested retail of about $399 and will be available late April of 2004.

Physical Views

Casio EX-Z40 Specifications